I will be buying a boat later this year (For next season). I am looking for something around 25' with a single engine big block. It needs to sleep 2 adults and a 3 year old. Budget is around $15,000 - $25,000 depending on financing. Should have around $8,000 to put down on it. I have never owned a speed boat before and not sure how the different models handle. I will be using the boat in the Chesapeake bay and surrounding rivers. Of course I want it to be fast too! Here are some models that I think would work for me. Please feel free to comment and share you experience.

Sonic prowler - nice looking, roomy cabin, and matches my father in laws 45' SS

Checkmate 251 - roomy cabin, nice lines, and fairly cheap, have heard they porpoise a lot at cruising speed

Baja outlaw 24' - good looking boat, but so many people have them. Not much cabin room

Velocity 22' - to small

Cigarette 25' - heard good things, but can't find any

Donzi - not sure what models are around 25'. Nice boats, but really expensive

Anybody have any opinions on these boats or some other ones I should look into? Hopefully I won't have a problem financing. My credit score is above 700.

I would add 25 outlaw to your list. Nice cuddy and room. I sold my 99 25ol last spring for less than 25!

Never knew they made a 25' outlaw! I'm a newb to speed boats lol. I googlem the images and looks like a nice boat. Definitely worth adding to the list. Thanks.

You might think about adding a couple more to your list the bay can get rough at times, like a 25 Thunder or a 24 Pantera,

I know. I used to have a Bayliner 21' trophy. That was fun in the bay! I never see any panteras. Do they have a cabin? Never heard of thunder. Will take a look and see what I can find.

We mostly boat in the rivers when it gets rough.

Just looked at the 25 thunder. Good looking boat, looks similar to the sonic prowler.

25' Active Thunder is the answer!

The 24 Pantera has a cabin the Thunder will have a bigger cabin. Both boats love rough water.

280 Velocity. Nice deep cockpit and a decent size cuddy for a 28 foot go fast. Handle good and fast.

Padraig

Make a list.... And start going to look at anything near you that fall on that list. Condition means a lot on a boat.... Don't let older boat scare ya. If they are well maintained they are more times than not the better decision over a newer boat that was not taken care of